Wait, I got tripped up on the line about Harry Ron and Hermione going to a Noodle Bar in Greenwich. You mean America Greenwich? New York? Connecticut? And what's a Noodle Bar? I've never heard that term before.

I very much enjoyed your story, especially the ending where I was left with a feeling of hope for them both.  Thank you for sharing!!

Very different from other SSHG and I do believe I like it! Ambiguous ending makes me hopeful for the future. 

You really brought out their yearning in this!

OUCH! Positively brilliant. I don't think anyone's written the reasons behind Hermione's Potions essay scores this well before. (At least not that I've read, and I've read quite a few). I'm eagerly awaiting the final chapter to hit the head of the queue.

This is absolutely captivating. (huh. no pun intended..) I've only just finished the first chapter and am going to eagerly dive into the second!

Excellet work.. you've kept Severus so well in character, not something many writers in this genre can achieve, keep up the excellent work, I look forward to reading Chapter two. =)

Oh brother, reality is a real b$%#h sometimes.  Excellent chapter!  :D

I can completely sympathize with Hermione's hurt feelings about her work not receiving the marks it was worth. As for Snape, it's so sad that he's so fixated on the illusion of his perfect Lily that he'll do whatever it takes to protect her, even from an innocent, unknowing academic rival.

Hermione's perfectionism and earnestness really shine through in this chapter. as does the pain of her unrequited feelings for her professor. Nicely done.

I like that Snape hid the book away from Umbridge.  And he has to keep up appearances with Muggle-borns.  Her reminding him of Lily only puts the nails in the coffin.

Poor Hermione!  Competing with a woman who was pretty much deified by Snape is impossible!

Oh! How very profound that last sentence was! And, like Hermione, I felt her indignation was very justified... Only to find myself unable to fault Snape's stated reasoning behind giving her the grades he did. I wonder if his ability to twist the truth and weave impeccable webs of deceit has rendered it impossible for even him to admit his real, underlying reasons for his treatment of Hermione, if only to himself...

This is such an intriguing beginning! I love how you portray Hermione, especially the very teenage-y, melodramatic way she equates a sweet, naive crush to being "in love". I can't wait to read the next chapter!

Awe :( poor Hermione... and poor Severus, constantly haunted by the unworthy Lily.  Great work though, can't wait for the next udate!

I really like the subtle direction of this story :) It is very well written and I find that so far it really strikes true with the characters!  Great Work!

This is an interesting story.  I can identify with Hermione's sense of unfairness regarding her marks in Potions, not that I was an exceptional student or anything.  But I think I expected a grade on my school work based on my answers as well as how I compared with my classmates.  Grading an individual based on what one is capable of, to stretch the mind and encourage growth - that's what Prof Snape is doing for Hermione.  She'll thank him for this at some point, just not right now.  But then again, maybe not, if she were to know of his "unconscious" resentment regarding Hermione's similarity to Lilly.  Hmmm.So far, you seem to be laying a good foundation for a very good read.  Keep up the good work.  Looking forward to more.

So far, so good.

I really like it. It's much more realistic then some of the stories I've read. 

This is a well written and realistic story of my favorite couple, and while I love to see them end up together, this is completely satisfying because they both get a sense of closure and find a new path for their lives that will lead, I am sure, to happiness for each of them.

Thank you for posting this.  It's been a real pleasure to read!


Beth

Snape is alive!  And he and Hermione are talking.  Given your "What to expect" statement at the beginning of the story I have no idea what to expect, but I'm really glad he survived!

Gotta go to the next chapter to find out.

Beth